Our river for people and wildlife
Restoring 158 miles of river for shad
The project is inspired by one of the UK’s rarest fish. Hundreds of thousands of twaite shad used to migrate up the River Severn to reach their natural spawning grounds. But weirs installed in the mid-19th century blocked this annual migration. Unlocking the Severn will provide fish passage at six barriers on the River Severn and its River Teme tributary. This will restore 158 miles of river habitat and benefit a host of other important fish species including salmon and eel.
The Canal & River Trust (lead), Severn Rivers Trust, Environment Agency and Natural England are the partner organizations for delivering this project. Unlocking the Severn is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the EU LIFE Programme, as well as The Waterloo Foundation and the partners.
Reconnecting to our river
Unlocking the Severn includes exciting activities for people of all ages, interests and backgrounds, so that more people can be inspired and learn from the UK’s longest river.
Our heritage, education and people-powered science programmes aim to reconnect eight million people with the River. This includes working with community groups along the river, over 6000 school children, and creating opportunities for hundreds of volunteers.
